MANCHESTER UNITED VS TOTTENHAM
The big game in the big League. The early kick off on Saturday between two teams with legitimate aspirations for the league title is well set off to be a cracker.
In what was set up as the perfect opportunity for in-form Harry Kane to finally end his Old Trafford hoodoo -one of only 2 grounds the striker has failed to register-, news of his untimely hamstring injury must have come as a huge blow to Spurs, but maybe just maybe Fernando Llorente has a different script on the offing.
Should be a close game but the absence of Harry Kane should just about tip the scales in Man United’s favour.
Prediction 1-0
AC MILAN VS JUVENTUS
Ac Milan’s Chinese revolution has come in for huge scrutiny in recent weeks as indifferent performances have rightly yielded indifferent results. The mid-week win at Chievo snapped a 4-game winless run that included losses to Roma and Inter, direct rivals for the title, or at least the European places.
Dropped points in the Europa league and at home to struggling Genoa dampened the mood around the San Siro even further. However, they come up against a Juventus side who seem to be nursing some problems of their own, especially defensively, as the Bianconeri struggle to get to terms with the departure of Leandro Bonucci and Dani Alves.
The game looks to be a must-win for both sides with Milan firmly playing catchup on the qualification for Europe and Juventus looking to keep pace with highfliers, Napoli.
Prediction 2-2
BAYERN MUNICH VS RB LEIPZIG
The German giants meet in a quick replay of their midweek cup tie, which was marred by a controversial penalty decision which eventually went against Die Bullen. Bayern eventually prevailed on penalties, and had Timo Werner to thank for missing the decisive kick.
The striker started on the bench as he returned from an injury lay off, but would certainly be rearing to go as he and his club seek redemption, or dear I say, REVENGE.
There’s certainly no love lost between the clubs, as recently financially powerful Leipzig look to disrupt the lofty perch Bayern have set themselves on. The Champions did the double over Leipzig last season and should have enough to get the win in this one, especially as the visitors would be without the suspended Naby Keita.
Prediction 3-1
VITESSE vs PSV
PSV have started the eredivisie season brilliantly, dropping points on only one occasion a 0-1 loss at 6th place AZ Alkmaar. Their good form has seen them to the top of the table after 9 games. However, they come up against a Vitesse side who have equally had a strong start to the season and lie just 6 points behind the league leaders in 3rd.
Vitas should be confident of causing an upset in this tie, especially at home, as they look to overcome a side they last beat exactly 5 years ago. However, Philip Cocu’s side should have just enough quality to see them through and can count on red hot Mexican hotshot, Hiriving Lozano to deliver the goals.
Prediction 1-3
BIRMINGHAM VS ASTON VILLA
The second city derby, between the two midland giants is on offer this weekend as Aston Villa travel to St. Andrews. Birmingham have struggled in the Championship this season, and are likely to be heavily involved in a struggle to avoid relegation this season.
Aston villa on the other hand, are flying and have overcome an indifferent start to the season and now lie in the playoff places, 5 points adrift of leaders, Wolves. John Terry finally looks to have settled at the Villa Park outfit, and his upturn in form has coincided with the Villains’recovery.
With Carl Jenkinson, David Stockdale and Nsue missing out for the hosts, and veteran Gabby Agbonlahor looking likely to be fit again, could prove to be a log day for Steve Cotterill’s side.
Prediction 1-3
PANATHINAIKOS VS OLYMPIAKOS
One of the most famous derbies in the world, the Derby of the eternal enemies, as it is often affectionately [well not really] called, serves up another meeting between the two biggest names in Greek football.
Olympiakos have dominated the league as well as the derby in recent times, with 7 wins and just 3 losses in the last 13 meetings between the pair. However, for once, the champions are not having it all their way in the Greek top flight and lie in 4thgoing into the crucial derby.
Panathinaikos lie further down in 7th, but would be looking to take advantage of a few vulnerabilities that have dogged their rivals this season.
PREDICTION 1-1
This post first appeared on Wolexis Sports Blog | Nigeria's Online Sports Mag, please read the originial post: here
